Guanyu Zhou will make his F1 Practice debut at 2021 Austrian Grand Prix for Alpine in FP1.
Zhou currently is leading the 2021 Formula Two standings by fellow Alpine junior – Oscar Piastri and will take Fernando Alonso’s A521 for the hour-long FP1 session, as part of his expanded Test Driver role with the team.
Speaking on his opportunity to participate in a F1 weekend for the very first time, Zhou said: “Driving in FP1 at a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend is like a dream coming true and another step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver.”
The 22 year-old has also vowed to “complete all the targets and plans that the team have set me to do” throughout FP1, as he becomes the first Chinese driver since Ma Qinghua who drove in FP1 at 2013 Chinese Grand Prix for Caterham to participate in a F1 weekend.
Zhou added that it is “a very proud feeling” to be stepping into a F1 cockpit outside of testing, particularly as he is driving in Alonso’s car, of whom is Zhou’s motorsport inspiration for becoming a racing driver.
Alpine CEO, Laurent Rossi added that this FP1 outing “is a logical and important” step for Zhou after participating in several on-track and simulator test sessions with Alpine, whilst believing that this opportunity will serve to benefit Zhou’s “very solid progress towards the ultimate target” of a full-time F1 seat.
Mia Sharizman, Alpine Academy Director meanwhile spoke of feeling “delighted” to see Zhou getting this chance in his third season as a member of Alpine Academy, having joined the team in 2019 from Ferrari Driver Academy where he had previously spent four-and-a-half years.
Sharizman also added that this opportunity is a huge step in “a long but rewarding process” in which Zhou had worked hard behind the scenes as well as on track with full dedication to earn this opportunity.
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